ITEM 104-2006-R0999 Use of State Lands Under the Control of the Montana University System (MUS) by the Montana National Guard for the Purpose of Con-structing and Operating, on a Long-term Basis, an Education and Training Facility (Armory); Montana State University-Bozeman

THAT:

The Board of Regents of the Montana University System authorizes Montana State University-Bozeman to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Montana National Guard to locate a new education and training facility (Armory) on lands west of 19th Street and along Garfield Street. The Armory will be constructed and operated without financial obligation or cost to the Montana University System. Use of referenced land will be without cost to the Montana National Guard.

DISCUSSION: Location of the Armory will create a mutually reinforcing educational environment in which the MUS will have access to the statewide network of educational teleconferencing sites developed by the Montana National Guard. Additionally, the proximity of the Armory to the Bozeman campus will allow the National Guard greater access to the educational resources located on the campus. Finally, MSU-Bozeman and the National Guard wish to explore the possibility of locating the current Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) programs to the Armory site in a way that will enhance and integrate ROTC training and free central campus academic/student services space.

It is anticipated that the Montana National Guard will be granted use of ten acres of property in the NE1/4 of Section 15 located west of the university campus without charge. The exact siting of the building will be determined after survey. The Montana National Guard will have the right to use the property for a 50 year period. The Montana National Guard will be solely responsible for all costs of construction, maintenance and operation. In return, MUS will be granted the right to use the facilities for distance learning and other related educational activities as mutually agreed upon by the parties. It is anticipated that the teleconferencing capabilities will greatly enhance the university systemís access to the state in delivery of outreach and educational services.

Montana State University seeks the authority to proceed with the planning of this project and to execute a Memorandum of Understanding that will be developed between the parties and approved by the Commissioner of Higher Education.